Governor McGreevey announces over $67 million
for local transportation projects throughout the state

(Trenton) — Continuing his efforts to create jobs and provide a sound state transportation system, Governor James E. McGreevey today announced the award of over $67 million in municipal aid funding for communities statewide to fund projects otherwise paid for with municipal taxes.

Statewide, the Governor awarded 421 municipalities with a total of $67.5 million– funds that will provide safe roads, property tax relief, new job opportunities and a better quality of life for New Jersey residents.

“Whether its creating new jobs, stopping sprawl or fixing our roads, we are making sure that New Jerseyans have the quality of life they deserve,” said McGreevey. “The $67 million in grants we are delivering today will help towns all over the State repair local roads and bridges. At the same time, the awards will provide our families with property tax relief, and make our roads safer for our children.”

Each spring, municipalities are encouraged to apply for Municipal Aid grants through the NJDOT Local Aid Division. Applications cover a variety of project types including road resurfacing, rehabilitation or reconstruction and signalization. The selected projects are funded from the $60 million in municipal aid distributed by formula.

Additionally, $5 million is allotted for those municipalities that qualify for Urban Aid. Urban Aid is distributed by a formula that is computed by the Department of Community Affairs.

A list of grant recipients is available online at DOT’s website.

“These projects translate into safer local streets, a smoother ride through our neighborhoods and downtowns and financial relief to our communities,” said Lettiere. “Municipal aid and other local funding programs demonstrate how valuable the Transportation Trust Fund is not only to our state highways and bridges, but to the local transportation infrastructure that our families depend upon every day.”

In addition to Fiscal Year 2004 municipal aid funding, Governor McGreevey has announced over $175 million in funding for communities in the last year through various NJDOT Local Aid programs including Safe Streets to Schools, Bikeways, and Centers of Place.

Since taking office, Governor McGreevey has made improving the quality of New Jersey’s transportation network a top priority. Despite a $5 billion deficit, he is investing $2.5 billion in transportation infrastructure spending. He is reforming the long-neglected DMV and implementing Express E-ZPass. The Governor is also improving mass transit by purchasing 100 bi-level rail cars, adding 17,000 new rail passenger seats and promising to create 20,000 park and ride spots over the next five years. And, he’s making the roadways safer through his #77 campaign and the safe corridors initiative.

“From installing Express E-ZPass to fixing DMV, we are keeping New Jersey moving,” said McGreevey.